The above photos are from the 2014.10.18 inaugural First Aid (Part 2) walk.
We’ve been exceptionally lucky with the weather since we started way back in May, and today was no exception, cloudy, but no rain; rather, the sun came out just in time for us to enjoy the late-season blooms in Central Park at the conclusion of the walk.
Today’s topic continued the First Aid series we launched in July and addressed parents’ concerns about colds and “stomach bugs”: when can you take care of things at home, and when should you seek medical attention?
Our newest co-leader, Dr. Tessa Scripps, joined us to explain the differences. When you DO need to seek medical attention, it doesn’t mean you have to go to the emergency room. On the contrary, it’s USUALLY better to call your doctor’s office first, and/or go to an URGENT CARE center where you can get appropriate medical care with typically less waiting time and less expense.
One such center is at Settlement Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center (like our friends at Boriken). We stopped by Settlement back in July, but they didn’t have Saturday hours then; now they do! We we’re pleased to hear from Lady Ann Feliciano about the services they offer. A parent with a health concern can walk in and register during operating hours Monday through Saturday.
Parents also had questions about the topical Ebola virus. As is often the case with viruses, handwashing is the best defense! Plus, we explained the very low risk for transmission through casual contact.
Our next stop was the fabulous 103rd St Community Garden, administered by the New York Restoration Project (NYRP). This is a multi-use space, with quadrants for open grass, a basketball court, children’s playground, and the amazing garden. Mint, basil, an enormous patch of collard greens, eggplant and many more thriving crops were enjoying the mild fall weather. Our kids especially enjoyed the seesaws, as you can see in the photo. And we all enjoyed our apples and bananas, then composted the food waste on site!
Our third stop brought us to the East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership (EHHOP) clinic at Mt. Sinai. Although they do not offer pediatric services, the do offer health and social services to uninsured patients: a great resource for the community. Medical student Eric Woods (a colleague of Lara’s) helps run the clinic and told our families all about what they offer.
Our last stop took advantage of the beautiful day, with a return to the French Garden section of the Conservatory Garden in Central Park. To wrap up our theme of treating mild illnesses at home, Tessa handed out medication syringes for parents to accurately measure dosage for treating fevers with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. We also passed out tote bags, water bottles and the last of our Health Bucks!
Another great walk!
Stats
Adults: 10
Children: 13
Total: 26
Miles: 1.38
Calories: about 200*
Time: about 2.5 hours
Co-leaders: Cappy Collins, Lara, Krupa Harishankar, Peggy Rafferty, Tessa Scripps, Vica Shakhin,
Route
View 2014.10.18 First Aid (Part 2) in a larger map
*http://www.nutristrategy.com/activitylist4.htm